Spring structure.



W. E ANDREW.

SPRING STRUCTURE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 4, I914.

W. E. ANDREW.

SPRING STRUCTURE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 4. x914,

1,147,134. Patented July 20, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

zbrnzy' Moms zvm. ML. Lmm, WAsmucm. n. c.

W. E. ANDREW. SPRING STRUCTURE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 4. 1914 Patented July 20, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

OFFICE.

WILLIAM E. ANDREW, or ArL A vrIc HIGHLANDS, NEW JERSEY.

SPRING sriwc'runn.

To all whom it-may concern.

1 Be it lmown that I, WmLIAiZr E. ANDREW, a citizen of the Unit.ed States, residing at Atlantic Highlands, in the'county of Mon- I constitut mouth and State of New- Jersey, haveinvented certaln new and. useful Improvements in Spring Structures, of which the following is a specification, reference beinghad therein to the accompanying drawing. 10.

This invention broadly. The s bject 'matter-Iof the present case Es an improvement upon the 'inven-- tion disclosed in Letters Patent No. 1,060,879, granted 6, 1913, to me.

One object of his invent on, similarly as relate'sto spring-structures,

in said patent, is to provide a spring-structure particularly 'Well' adapted for use. in

pro'duce suddenfjolts and jars.

vehicles used. on roads of more or less uneven surface and which would ordinarily Another ob'ect W1 hin the contemplation of the present invention is to construct and; .apply this improved form of structure to vehicles, such as automobiles, and whereby the spring-suspension interposed betweenthe vehicle-body and the axles is controlled Y .in a more certain manner, in certain situaeither upward or downward, will be pre- 7 a minimum.

tions, than may be possible when my patented construction is employed and whereby, also, any sudden movement of the body,

vented so that liability of shocks, jars and the like, are precluded or at least reduced to It is therefore a feature of the invention so to construct and apply the spring-suspension thereof that any relative movement bea tween the vehicle-body and the axles may be controlled in; any position which the vehicle-body. may assume, no matter how great ,maylhave been the suddenness or extent of 'ta-lities. I

A still .further object of the nvention 1s to provide improjved means for positively flex-u're imposed upon the spring-instrumencontrolling the relative movement between the body'and axles of a vehicle in order that the use of so-call'ed shock absorbers, now

-- viated.

extensively employed, may be entirely ob A still further object is to provide a Specification a Letters Patent.

Patented July 20, 1915.

Application filed September 4, 1914. Serial No, 860,197.

spring-suspension which is so constructed and arranged that all strains and stresses may be'concentrated at a point where is provided a device which is well adapted instantly to transmit and distribute such strains and stresses throughout the entire structure, wherefore no single instrumentality thereof will be subjected to undue action.

Amongthe more important features of dilierence between my patented spring- ;"stsucture and what is herein disclosed are, a

simplification of the parts; the provision of means which-obviate the necessity of building up some of the springs with differently dimensioned leaves; and the inclusion in such springs where more than a single leaf is'employed of a plurality of leaves of sub- 'stantially 1 the, same length, [whereby the spring, in its entirety, has no'single point of weakness.

-Th e invention-in generalseeks to provide -a 'spr1ng-structure or suspension which, from 'HHOPBI'HUVB standpomt, possesses, in practical use, a. high degree of efficiency and durability and which, from' a structural standpoint, is of the greatest possible simplicity. f

. Some of the other objects and advantages ofthe invention will in part be obvious from the annexed drawings, while other iobjects and advantages will in part be pointed out in the following description.

.The invention resides broadly in various novel features of construction, -in a new combination of elements, in the arrangement of the parts, and in a novel aggroupment thereof for coaction, all as will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and.

the scope of application. of which'will be indicated in the claims hereto-appended.

. In order that this invention-may be clearly comprehended by those skilled in the art,

drawings illustrating some of the many pos sible utilizations ofthe same arehereto appended as a part of this disclosure. But it will .be manifest that other possible utilizations' and embodiments, employing the underlying principles of the invention, will fall within thespirit thereof-and within the objects and advantages contemplated thereby.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a spring-structure 1 and 2; Fig. 7 is a view in perspective of. another modification of the lIIVQIltlOIl and having the same embodiedin a so-called three-quarter scroll form of spring-struc-.-'

ture; Fig. 8 is a view in elevation, partly in section, of the invention in a stillfurther modified form; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view, in detail, of three leaves of a-springlformed to retain each other againsta longitudinal shifting movement; Fig. 10 is a view. in perspective of another modification and embodiment of the invention; and Figs. 11 and 12 are fragmentary views, in sectional elevation and in perspective, respectively,,of certain partsof the device of Fig.110.

In the several embodime ts of my invention, as herein disclosed and contemplated, it is tobe understood that there will be a plurality of elements aggrouped in a peculiar and novel manner. Essentially, one of these will comprise a spring; another will reside in a spring-controlling or equalizing device preferably connected to the spring and (desirably) under tension when in normal, operative position; and another will be a support or sustaininginstrumentality, either in the form of a spring, in the form of a bar or arm, or in any other appropriate form, according to the manner or utilization of my spring-suspension, or according to its particular application to a vehicle.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, it will be. noted that the reference-character 1 designates, generally, the sustaining instrumentahty, aforementloned,

and which in this instance is shown, by way of exainple,as a spring comprising a plurality of leaves, at least two of which, 2 and 3, are preferably of substantially the same length. -,The outermost leaf 2, preferably and-asshown, terminates in a loop or eye 4, to constitute a pivot-receiving or hearing end, for a purpose presently to be explained. The second leaf 3 (and possibly other of the leaves) will terminate at this bearingend, but Without extending entirelylintothe loop or eye 4. By this arrangement, and as clearly shown in Fig. 5, the ends of the leaves 3 terminate in the space 5 formed between the external surface of the eye or loop 4-and the inner wall or surface of the curved portion of the outermost leaf 2. The arrangement is such that the several leaves will remain in contacting relation, both normally and when the spring is flexed; the space 5, aforementioned, at the bearing-end of the outermost leaf permitting slight longitudinal movement of one leaf in relation to the other without effecting or permitting the "separation of such leaves. 'In practice,

' it has been found that when a spring is built up of several leaves, of relatively different length, the point of greatest weakness of the entire spring-suspension located where the leaves terminate at positions remote from the bearing-end or ends thereof.

In lieu of the sustaining-instrumentality being in the form of a spring, as just described, it may constitute apart of the vehicle and be in theform of an arm: 6, such as'is illustrated inFigs. 8 and 10."

Underlying or overlying the sustaininginstrumentality, 1'as the case may be,'"according to the particular applicationof my improved spring-structure in the vehicleis a primary member or spring-device 7, preferably constructed of a plurality of leaves of substantially the same length uptoa point beyond the bearing-end 8. In this in stance, and by way of example, the primary member 7 is substantially flat, it is elongated, and it occupies a relatively horizontal position with respect to various parts of. the vehicle to which my spring-suspension is applied. Moreover, it comprises, in this example, two leaves 9 and 10';.-the upper leaf 9 being'bent, at its ends, around the ends of the lower leaf 10, there being a space 11 provided for-any slight longitudi-- nal movement of the leaf 10with respect to the leaf 9, -as shown in Fig. 6.

In the curement thereto of the primary spring.

This secondary spring preferably-comprises a plurality of leaves 16of. substantially the same length. By reason of;-thefaetthattthe secondary spring occupies a position .on the side of theaxle12opposite to the primary spring, it is bowed away therefrom; the

axle, in this instance,.constitutinga spacing means or member to maintain these two springs in spaced relation at a mediateof their ends. 1.

As there is more or less relative movement between the primary and secondary springs, means are preferably. provided not' int i t r-- only to maintain the endspf the secondaryspring also in spaced relation to the primary spring but, also, to reduce wear and friction therebetween. Such means may "be- 1 ofany suitable form; but, in this instance, I elect' her 7.

by a headed spindle or bolt 23 which, in conprimary spring 7.

. spaced to receive the pendant portions 21 of a bracket or yoke-member 22 which issustained by andslidable on-the primary mem- The pendantportions are connected junction with the bracket, holds the ends of the secondary spring and the sliding-plate 17 in close relation to the underside ofthe The construction and relation of these parts is such that the bracket is permitted to have a slight lengthwise shifting movement on the primary spring and, with it, the lubricant or ballbearing-plate 17. 1

Overlying the primary spring and bowed away therefrom in a direction opposite to that of the secondary spring 15 is a controlling or equalizing instru-mentality 24, which 1n this instance is shown as a spring and which normally occupies a spaced relation to the primary spring. To maintain the same in such spaced relation, means :are provided of appropriate formand dimensions: In the embodiments illustrated, by way of'example, in- Figs. 1 and 2, such means include a clipand-plate device 25 which: embraces the controlling instrumentality and the sustaining spring 1 intermediate of;.tl1eir ends. The controlling and sustaining springs are preferably spaced centrally by a block 26, as shown.

The controlling instrumentality :or spring 24 may consist of a single band or leaf, as shown in Fig. 2, or a plurality of leaves, as shown in Fig. 1', in which instance the leaves are held together by clips 27 Where only the single band is utilized,idependence is had upon the" inherent resiliency thereof to .perform its equalizing function .(as hereinafter explained) with reference to the -dif-' ferent parts of the structure but, if such equalizing function requires to be augmented, this is accomplished by adding a suflicient number of the leaves (of a predetermined degree of strength and pulling or drawing power)'to the equalizer.

- By the interposition of the controlling andequalizing device 24 between the sustaining-instrumentality 1 and the primary spring 7 by forming said equalizing device with predetermined tension, and by con 'structing and arranging the'parts as shown,

a so that said device will be under constant assume a straightened. condition and, there-' this ina fore, normally tends to cause the instrumentality '(to which it is clipped) to have a downward tendency and at the same time to control the upward movementof the sustaining instrumentality; i

- In this construction, as now will be seen,

I provide aispring equalizing device with a normal tendency to flatten out the direction of the downward movement of the vehicle-body andreversed to the direction of the upward movement thereof, wherefore said device involves a structure the natural tendency of which is to pull the vehicle-body downwardly. This pulling tendency is, however, controlled in part by the primary spring 7 and more-especiallyand effectually by the secondary spring 15' whose, function is to counteract against saidcohtrolling instrumentality at predetermined points in its movement.

Preferably and as shown, the sustaining spring 1 is curved so as to encompass the controlling spring, and has its ends extended into a plane below the-normal position of the primary and secondary springs.

lit-certain times in the action of the structure, the stress of the load is concentrated at a point-=in-the system and then transmitted links 28. Connecting the upper ends of each pair of these links is a bolt 01', headed pin 29 upon which is'supported the bearing-portion 30 of the controlling-instrumentality 24-. Normally, these links occupy a' position at a slight .angle to the vertical. When, however, the spaced relation of the primary and sustaining instrumentalities is changed; these linksrock on their fulcra 23, and this produces" a tendency of the brackets to have a sliding-'inove'ment on the primary member. This tendency is, however," moremr less resisted by the curved underlying portions of the sustaining spring 1 which are stressed by the movement of the brackets and to them is transmitted, in part at least, the load. This isv when the sustaining memberis being depressed and, with it, the equalizing member. lVVhen, however, the sustaining member begins an upward, recoiling or rebounding movement, the links will similarly be caused to rock on their fulcra tofstress the equalizingspring 24 which, in turn, effects a tendency of the brackets to slide inwardly on the already explained, is resisted by the curved portions 'of the sustaining-member 1, to which the load is thereupon transferred.

It is not to be understood thatthe curved portions of the sustaining-member 1 con,- ti'nue to carry the load, since this is, by the inherent coaction of the parts, distributed throughout the entire system of spring-instrumentalities by the, relative movement caused thereto and e'fl'ected through the brackets links, etc, .In this arrangement, as exemplified i'nFig. 2, I have dispensed with theus'e of shackles, such as are shown atthe' left side, in the device illustrated in Fig. 1; the bracket, links, etc.-, of Fig. 2, and also shown at theright in Fig. 1, acting, not-as shackles, but as transmitting and distributing instrumentalities- "Referring, now, to the embodiments disclosedin Fig. lwhich includes two forms ,ef 'connecting'deviccs between the sustain- .ing member, the primary member and'theh controllingmember and to the connecting .deVlCe shown at the right hand side, as

aforementioned, it willbe seen that the links ;31 are, not fulcrumed upon the'bracket-car- .ried bolt 32, in the supplemental bracket 33, but rock upon a, fulcrum 34 which exten'ds through an eye 35 formed at each end ofthe primary member 7 The upper ends of the links 31 are connected to the controlling spring 24 in the same manner as described in connection with the device of Fig. '2, Fast on the pivot 34-or formed integral with the links 31are arms 36 adapted toengage the edgesof the-bracket so that movement of the controlling sprin 24 will, througlrthe links '31 and arms 36, efi'ecta sliding movement of the brackets 33 inwardly which operation, in turn, stresses the curved portions'of the sustaining-member 1, as already descrlbed in connection with the device of Fig. 2. In this instance, the,

brackets 33 have a'sliding movement independent of the brackets 29 which are caused to have a sliding movement by the relative movement between the prlmary and secondary springs 7 and 15, respectively. In this tends throughanjeye 42, therelbeing an eye at each end of the pr mary,.spr1ng. 7. I do.

Fig. 1,"at the left hand: side, is shown a shackle device for connecting the susta1n1ng-- 'member, the primary member, and the contrated in F g.8, my 'myentlon is disclosed as :constructed for the fron'ts'prnig of a vethrough the boltsi 40; while ,the underlying portions of. the sustaining spring 1 are con-' nected to the links 38 through the bolts 41. The'fulcrum 39 of the links and 38 exnoticlaimffor this shackle "device the same degree of eliic1ency, ce rta1nty and ease of operation of transmlsslon and dlStIlblltlOll of load and stress that, practice, has been. demonstrated in connection with the bracketand-link device shown in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 7, there is shown a modified form of structure In this particular embod iment, I have utilized, for the most part,

the features of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2; but, in embodying myinveution in a so-called three-quarter scroll spring suspension, I have found itadvantageous to make certain changes. Iii this instance, the sustaimng spring 43 is connected to the vehlcle bracket 44 at one end, and,}at the'same I member 48. The portion of the primary 3 member which carries the eye extends beyond a sliding bracket 49 carried by the primary spring 48 and which, through the links sprin 48 the secondary sprin '51 ancl the D l g v50, forms a connection between this primary controlling spring 45. In this instance, this connecting device, including the bracket,

' links and eyes, is of a form similar to that illustrated 1n Fig. 2. However, 1n this particular embodiment, there is no connection between the connecting links '46 and the slidingbracket. 49. When the load causes'a downward movement of 'the controlling spring 45, the latter rocks the links 50 on their respective fulcra and causes a sliding movement of the bracket inwardly only very slightly. \Vhen however the controlling spring begins its upward, recoil-preventing movement, it rocks the links in the opposite direction and the secondary spring 51 coun- ,teracts such movement onlyin so far as it may be essential to prevent saidcontrolling spring frombecoming too widely spaced from the primary spring. In this embodi ment, the end of the primary spring 48 opposite to that to which the links 46 are connected is provided with an eye 52 at tached to a bolt, (not shown), inwhich is attached a pair of links, of whichone, 53, is shown, and which links, in turn, are attached to the'c'hassis frame of the vehicle body (not shown).

In the modified'form of structure illushicle, as distinguished from the form required 'for the rear sprin thereof, the type of which is illustrated in ig. 7: In this inthepnmaryspring 48 shown in dotted lines in this figure. IVhen the spring 48 is bowed,

. as shown in "dotted' lines, the links 50 are swung from the position shown in full lines to' the pos tion shown in dotted lines. In

this particular embodiment, I have shown v the secondary spring 51 held m'spa'ced relation' to the primary spring iS'by a blocker liar 55, the axle 12, in this instance. being hhownas below the secondary spring 51. In bther Wo1(ls,.in this particular exemplification of my invention, the meansforspacing {the secondary spring51 from the primary aclilrtarid-plate device 5560f a construction similarto that shown in Figs. .1 and 2 of somewhat. greatefdimensions. It s a feature of my invention to so conmeet the parts, by the device's'already de scribed, that, itis unnecessary to perforate the spring-leaves which, of necessity, greatly weakens them. Where bolt-holes are usually made in the leaves to receive bolts, thelatter have for their function to pite vgnt ashifting movement ofthe diiferent leavesrelatively.

I; have found'that an effective measure for accomplishing the same result without per-- forating the leaves is; as shown in'Fig: 9, to provide each leaf with an oifset 57. the oif setsiii the different leaves registering with each other.

tiguous to the axle, the latter can be pro- ?Vided with a groove 58 to receive the offset portionpf the lowermost spring-leaf, as

- shown. Obviously, when thisfeature is in that I have succeeded in devising a springcoi'porated in other of the springs, the olisets could be in a direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 9.

- In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 0,v

11 and 12, the form of spring-suspension illustrated is similar to that shown in Figs.

7 and 8. In thisinstance', the construction of the eyes formed at the endof the primary spring 48 is somewhat modified: In this exemplification of my invention, instead of the uppermost leaf 48* of the spring being bent/downwardly-as shown at the right hand side in Fig. 7, wherein is provided a housing space 59 to receive the ends of the underlying spring-leavesv and thereby dispense'with clips and the like to hold them 1 together-it is bent upwardly to form an eye GONtoreceive a pivot 61 that extends through side plates 62 attached to or integralwith the chassis frame 6. By this construction, the leaves 48 which underlie the ends of the leaves 48 are housed. not in the manner already described, but in the space 64, Fig. 11'. formed i'nthe' plates 62. A feature of this construction is that the primary spring 48 can have'a yielding movement notwithstand 'ingthe fact that its two ends are connected to an unyielding frame 6; and this follows but \Vhere such offsets are con 1 to flex and this in turn flexes the equalizer spring, which then has, as one of its func-. tions, a load carrying capacity. At the same time. the sustaining-"spring 1 assumes part of the load and the stresses produced thereby will, in the manner already explained, be transmitted and" distributed so that the iveightof the superposed load and parts will flex the primary sprin'g'7. Dur'- ing, the return movement of the parts, the equalizer will control the same, obviously, 'andsuch control is augmented by the secondary spring. This results in an easy and gradual upward movement of thestructure supported on the spring-suspension, and sudden recoil thereof is controlled nicely and absolutely. The attachment of the secondary spring to the other parts is such that, whatever load conditions produce stresses throughout the system of connected instrumenta-lities, the connecting devices which unite these instrumentalities for coaction so control their movements that,'when such in .strumentalities have imposedupon them the stresses, they cannot suddenly react to produ'ce sudden movements in them and, thus,

in other parts;

From the foregoing. it will be perceived structure which is well adapted to achieve the several objects and advantages in view. The structure,'in all of its embodiments, is simple and compact in form, is particularly well suited for road vehicles like automobiles, and the. parts of which it is formed are so constructed as to permit of its ready application to existing vehicles.- I

As many changes can be made in the different constructions exemplified herein, and

as many other widely different embodiments of'the invention can be made without de- :partihg from the spirit thereof, it is intendmary and secondary members and constantly under tension whereby recoil of the vehiclebody is controlled in any position it may as swine and having anorinal tendency to effect a v pulling movement upon said vehicle-connected spring, a secondary spring juxtoposed to said primary memberon the side of the primary member opposite from the controlling spring member: and bowed away therefrom to effect counteraction on-said controlling spring, and connections between 2.'i spring susp nsion including a prif' mary spring, asecondairy spring-underlying and bowed away from"the primary,sprin-g, a controlling spring bowed away from the 'in a direction opposite to that of the sec .I

j ond'ary spring, a sustaining spring juntaprimary spring iii a direction opposite tothat of the secondary sp'ring,"a sustaining spring encompassing said controlling spring, and means for transmitting a -tensioning action on said secondary and sustaining springs when said primary spring is stressed.

3. A spring suspension including a sub-y.

stantially fiat primary spring, a secondary spring underlying and bowed away from the primary spring, a controlling spring bowed away from the primary spring in a direction opposite to that of the secondary spring, a sustaining spring encompassing said controlling spring, and means for transmitting a tensioning action on said secondary and sustaining springs when said.

primary spring isstressed.

' 4. A inary spring, a secondary spring bowed away therefrom, a controlling spring also bowed away from the primary spring and in the direction opposite to the secondary spring, a sustaining spring encompassing said controlling spring and extending unspring suspension including a pri-- der the primary and secondary springs,- and,

means interposed between said springs for transmitting a tensioning action to said secondary and sustaining springs when primary "spring is stressed.

5. A spring suspension including a primary spring, a secondary spring bowed a'way therefrom, a controlling spring also bowed away from the primary spring and in the direction opposite to the secondary spring, a sustaining spring encompassing said controlling spring and extendingunder the primary and secondary-springs,- and means in- "terposed between said springsfor transmitting a. tensioning action to saidsecondary and sustaining springs when said primary springis stressed in one direction anda tensioning action to said controlling spring opposite direction.

'- when the primarv'spring 'is stressed "in the said 7 connected tosaidsprings for transmitting 6. A spring suspension-including a prima ry spring, asecondary spring bowed away from the primary; spring, acontrolling spring also bowed from the primary spring in a direction opposite to that of the secondwhich it is attached, a controlling spring in, terposed between the primary member and 13,0

- and bent to" extend thereunder, and.- means mary spring, a secondaryspring bowed away vto when. said springs are flexed and said bracket slides on the primary spring, arid- R5 'COIIIIBCtlODS between said bracket; Jink -an posed to said primary and secondary springs and bent to, extend thereunden and vmeans CODIIGClZQd tojsaid springs for transmitting. a-tensioning action on-one of. said-springs when said primary spring is stressed under load'conditions including a bracket slidably;

carried by the primary spring, a link lpiv otally connected thereto and connections between saidbracket, link andsprings, 4

8. A spring suspension including'afpriit mary spring, a secondary spring bowedaway from the primary sprin g a{controlling spring also bowed from the primary spring in a'direction'opposite-to that of the sea -ondary spring, a sustainingspring juxtaposed ,to said primary and secondary springs i connected to said springs for transmittingf a tensioning'action on one of said springs, when said primary spring is stressed under load conditions including a, bracket slidably carried by the primary spring, i rocking, linkpivotally connected thereto;and con; nections between said bracket, link. and springs I 9. A spring suspensioii' including alpl'ifrom the primary spring, a controlling spring also bowed from theprimary'fspr ng;

in a direction opposite to-that of. the secondary spring, a sustaining .sp ning 'iixta posed to saidprimary and secondary springs and bent to extend thereunder, and means,

a tensioning action on one of'said-spring when said primary spring is stressed under, load'conditions including a bracketslidably carried by the primary spring, .a rocking link pivotally connected thereto-and ,nor mally lying at an angle to the verticaland movable to a greater-angle in relation-there.

springs. 1

10. A spring structure for ,vehicles 1 eluding a primary spring member-,ayehiele connected spring spaced fron'iz the. prima member and 'normally itensionedto been, load greater than ';that tot-J the Vehicle ;to

- 9 said controlling spring-instrumentality at its l1ng spring.

the vehicle-connected spring and having a;

normal tendency to hold said vehicle-conn'ected spring in position to be unaffected by a load greater than that for which said spring is tensioned and also to equalize the action of said vehicle-connected spring when either said primary member or said vehicle connected springisfstressed, and a secondary spring on the side of the primary spring' ipeinber opposite from that of the control- 11. A spring-structure including aprimary spring' -instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality having its ends disposed in. relatively close relation to the="pri-' mary spring-instrumentality, means for substantially spacingsaid primary and secondary spring-instrumentalities intermediate of itheii' ends, a" controlling spring-instrumen- -tality normally spaced from said primary instrumentality,-"and' disposed at the side thereof opposite to said secondary springinstrumentali'ty, and" means for connecting "said controlling-instrumentality to said pri- I as I oppositeto. said secondary -spring-instruv mentality, andmeanstfor connecting said mary spring-instrumentality.

' 12, Aspring-structure including a sustainingdnstrumentality, a primary springinstrumentality, a secondary spring-instru- -mentality having its ends sustained in relatively close relation to said primary springinstrumentality, means for substantially spacing said primary and secondary spring-instrumentalities intermediate their ends, a controlling spring-instrumentality disposed at the side ofsaid primary instrumentality controlling spring-instrumentality to said -sustaining-instrumentality to maintain said controlling spring-finstrumentality in a sub-' stantially spaced relation to said primary. 'spring-instrumentality.

13, A spring-structure includinga siistaining-instrumentality, a primary spring-- instrumei'itality, a secondary spring-instrumentality havingits' ends sustained in relas-tively. close relation to saidprimary springinstri'imentality, means for substantially spacing said primary-and secondary spring-1nstrumentalities intermediate their ends, a controlling spring-instrumentality disposed at thefl'side ofs'aid primary instrumentality opposite to said secondary spring-instrumen- 'tality, and. means for connecting said controlling spring-instrunientality to said sustaining-instrumentality to maintain said 'controlling spring-instrumentality in "a substantially spaced relation to said primary springpoint remote, from ins'trumentality, and means for connecting ends to said, primary-instrumentality at a its point fof connection with said sustaining-instrumentality.

I .14; A spring-structure including a primary spring-instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality having an intermedi- 'ate portion disposed in spaced relation to said primary spring-instrumentality, means for maintaining said instrumentalities in spacedrelation, a controlling spring-instrumentality normally spaced from said pri- 'mary-in st rumentality on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality opposite from the secondary spring-instrumentality, means tor connecting saidcontrolling-instrumentality with said primary spring-instrumentality andhaving a sliding movement in relation thereto, a sustaining-instrumentality, and means for connecting said controllinginstrumentality thereto to maintain it in spaced relation to said primary-instrumen tality. I Y

15. A 'spring-structiire including; a primary spring-instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality havingan intermediate portion arranged ,in spaced relation to said primary spring-instrumentality,a controlling spring-instrumentality arranged in spaced relation to saidprimary spring-instrumentality on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality opposite from the secondary spring-instrumentality, a 'sustaining-instrumeiitality, means for connecting said controlling spring-instrumentality to said sustaining-instrumentality to maintain it normally inspaced relation from said primary-instrumentality, and connecting-devices sustained by said primary spring-instrumentality and including aslidable element and a rocking element to which said controlling spring-instrumentality is at-y tached.

'16.;A spring-structure including an elongated primary spring-instrumentality, an elongated secondary spring-instrumentality having .an intermediate portion arranged in spacedrelation to saidprimary-instruinentality, means for maintainingsaid instrumentalities in spaced relation, an elongated'controlling spring-instrumentality arranged in normally'spaced relation to said primary and secondary instrumentalities on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality opposite from the secondary spring-instrumentlity, a

sustaining-instr nnentality, means for con- ,ne'cting sa d controlling spring-instrumentality to said sustainifig-instrumentality to maintain the former in spaced relation to the primary spring-instr mentality, contality, means for maintaining said instrumentalities in spaced relation, an elongated controlling spring-instrumentality arranged v in normally spaced relationto said primary and secondary'mstrumentahtles on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality oppos te from the secondary spring-lnstrumem' tality, a sustaining-instrumentality, means for connecting said controlling spring-1nstrumentality to said sustaining-instrumenends of said primary spring-instrumentality' and slidable thereon and including arocking element connecting sald controlling sprlnginstrumentality to said primary spring-1nstrumentality, and means for connecting said sustaining-instrumentality to said cona sustaining instrumentality,.means for connecting said controlling spring-instrumenw;

necting-devices. I I

18. A spring-structure including an elongated primary spring-instrumentality, an elongated secondary 'spring-instrumentality having an intermediate portion arranged in' spaced'relation to said primary-instrumentanty, means for malntainmg said instrumentahties in spaced relation, an elongated controlling spring-instrumentality arranged, in normally spaced relatlon to saldprlm'aryi and secondary mstrumentahties on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality opposite from the secondary spring instrumentality a sustaining-instrumentality, means for connecting said controlling spring-instrumentality to said sustaining-instrumentality to maintain the former in spaced re lation to the primary spring-instrumentality, connecting-devices adjacent the'opp osite ends ofsaid primary spring-instrumentality and slidable thereon and including a rocking element connecting said controlling springinstrumentality tosaid primary spring-instrumentality, and means for attaching said. sustaining-instrumentality to said connecting-devices at the side of the primary in strumentality opposite to the point of connection of said controlling sprin'g-mstrumentality to said prlmary sprmg-instrume'n- 19. A spring instrumentality including a primary spring-instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality having an intermediate portion arranged 1n spaced relatlon to said primary spring-instrumentality, a controlling spring -instrumentallty disposed normally in spaced relation to said primary spring-instrumentality on the side of the primary spring-instrumentality opposite from they secondary spring-instrumentality5 a sustaining nstrumentality, means'for connectmg said controlling sprlng-lnstrumentality to said sustaining instrumentality to maintain the for'mer in 'spaced relation to said primary spring-instrumentality, and a connecting device including a slidable element carried by said primary spring-instrumentality, a swinging element arranged in juxtaposition to said slidable element,

means for connecting said controlling spring instrumentality to said swinging element, and "means common to said slldable and swinging elements and to said sustaining inj strumentality for connecting the'latter 'to i said primary spring-instruinentality'.

20. A 'sprmg-mstrumentahty including a "primary spring-instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality having an intermediate portion arranged in spaced relationto :said primary s1)ring-instrumentality a controlling spring-instrumentality disposed norprimary spring-instrumentality opposite from the secondary spring-instrumentality,

tality to said s'ustaining instr'umentality to maintain it in spaced relationto said primary spring-instrumentality',a a connecting device including a slidable elementcarried by said primary springfinstrumentality a swinging element arranged in juxtaposition to'said slidable elementymeansfor connecting said controlling springinstrumen- ,tality to said: swin ing-element, means common to said slidabl e and swinging elements and to said sustaining instrum'entalityfor connectingthe latter to said primary springinstrumentalityg and means interposed be-.

tween said'primary and secondary instrumentalities for facilitatingmovement be-v tween their-ends. v a 7 21. Aspring-instrumentality including a primary spring-instrumentality, a secondary spring-instrumentality having an intermediate portion arranged in spaced relation to said primary spring-instrumentality, a con-' trolling spring-instrumentality d posed nor mally in spacedrelation to saidprimary springinstrumentality on the side of the primary springdnstrumentality opposite from the secondary spring-instrumentality,

a sustaining instrumentality, means for connecting said controlling spring-instrumentality to said sustaining instrumentality to maintain it in spaced relation to said pri- 1 mary spring-instrumentality, a connecting device including .a slidable element carried by said primary spring-instrumentality, a,

swinging element arranged in juxtaposition tosaid slidable element, means for connecting said controlling spring-instrumentality to said swinging-element, as common to said slidable and swinging, elements and to' saidsustaining instrumentality for connect mg the latter to said prlmary SPIlIlg-lIlShlla mentality, and means interposed between sald primary and secondary [mstrumental ties for facilitating movement between their ends 'and including rolling elements and means for h0 1d1ng sa1 1 rolling elements in operatlve posltion.

22. A spring structure including a priin spaced relation to said primary spring, means for maintaining said springs in spaced relation. including a spacing-element'interposed therebetween adjacent their middle portions,-.a shiftable plate interposed betxr eenthe springs adj acent the end of one of them, a spring-connecting bracket embracr. ing'said plate, a controlling spring ,instru mentality on theside of the primary spring opposite from the secondary spring, and means for coi'inectin'gsaid' instrumentality to said bracketincluding links and pivots extending therebetween. v

23. A spring structure including an elongated, normally flat, primary spring com prising a plurality of leaves, asecondary spring lying In substantially the same verg tical planeas the primary spring, means for spacing said springs adjacent their central I portlons, friction-preventing means interl posed between said springs adjacent the endgf,

of one of them and spacing said springs rel-.

' atively, a bracket slidably carried y said prising 'preventing means, links prmary spring and embracing said frictionpivoted on said bracket and extending above the same, and a controlling spring overlying said primary spring and connected to said links.

24. A spring structure including-an elongated, normally flat, primary spring comprising a plurality of leaves, a. secondary spring lying in substantially the same vertical plane as the primary spring, means for] spacing said springs adjacenttheir central portions, friction-preventing means inter posed between said springsadjacent the end of one of them and spacing said springs relatively, a bracket slidably carried by said primary spring and embracing said frictionpreventing means, links pivoted on said bracket and extending above the same, a controlling spring overlying'said primary spring and connected to said links and. a sustaining spring connected to said bracket.

25. A spring structure including an elongated, normally flat, primary spring coma plurality of leaves, a secondary spring lying in substantially the same vertical plane as the primary spring, means for spacing said springs adjacent their central portions, friction-preventing means interposed between said springs adjacent the end of one of them and spacing said springs relslidably carried by said primary spring and embracing said frictionpreventing means, links pivoted on said bracket and extending above the same, a controlling spring overlying said primary spring and connected to said links, a sustaining spring connected to said bracket, and

means for connecting said controlling spring atively, a bracket portions, posed between said springs adj acent the end spring and connected taming spring connected to; said bracket,

primary spring,

to'said sustaining spring to maintain the same normally in spaced relation with respect to the primary spring. mary spring, a secondary sprmg -arranged 26. A spring structure including an elongated, normally flat, primary spring comprising a plurality of leaves, a secondary spring lying in substantially the same vertical plane as the primary spring, means for spacing said springs adjacent their central friction-preventing means inter- 5 of one of them and spacingsaid springs rel atively, a bracket slidablycarried by 1 said -primary springand embracing jsaid friction-preventing means, links pivoted on said bracket and extending -above., .the same, a controlling spring overlyingsaid primary to said 'i'links, a susand means for conncting'said controlling spring to said sustaining spring to maintain the same normally in spaced relation with respect to the primary:spring-intermediate ,of'their endsi 27. Aspring structure including an elongatedfnormally flat, primary spring comprising a plurality of leaves, 'a" secondary spring lying in substantially thesame vertical plane as the primary spring, means for spacingsaid springs adjacent their central portions, friction-preventing means interposed between said springs adjacent the end of one of them and spacing said springs. relatively, a bracket slidably carried by said primary spring and embracing said friction-prevent ing means, links pivoted on said bracket and extending above the same, a controlling spring overlying said primary springand connected to said links, and a sustaining spring having its ends curved and connected to said bracket at the pivotal points of said, links' 28. A spring structure including a primary spring comprising a plurality of leaves, one of which is bent over at its ends and embraces the end of another of the leaves, a secondary spring spaced from said the ends of said secondary spring havlng a sliding movement in, relation to said primary spring, means for spac- 1 5 ing said primary and secondary springs intermediate of their ends, means adjacent the sliding ends ofsaid secondary springs for spacing the same from the primary spring and including an anti'friction instrumen- 120 tality, a bracket carried by said primary 29. A spring structure including a. prispringhaving a sliding movement in rela-' tion to said primary spring, means for spacing said springs intermediate of their ends means adjacent the sliding ends of said secondary springs for spacing the same from the primary spring-andincludmg an antifriction nstrumentahty; a bracket carried by said primary spring and having pendant ortlo'ns, a plvot carr1ed.by.,sa1d portions,

ks connected to said pivot, a controlling spring overlying and normally spaced from said primary, spring and pivotally connected to said: links, and a sustaining spring having curved portions' attached to the pivot in 2 said pendant portions of the bracket and com%ising a plurality of leaves rigidly connecte attheir ends and maintained in contactin relation throughout their length norm'a ly and under, stress. a

30. A primary spring, a double scroll sustaining spring connected at its ends to the under-portion 'of the primary spring by a sliding bracket-device, an auxiliary springmember underlying and connected to the primary spring but in spaced-apart relation thereto by a bracket-device lntermedlate of its ends .and the CQIltGlEPOTtlOIl, and a controlling spring-member connectedat its ends ends of the primary spring and to the sustaining spring.

to a swivel bracket-device connected at the v 31. A primaryspring composed of a @111 rality of spring leaves the uppermost one being longer and bent over at its ends, a double scroll sustaining spring connected to the primary spring but in spaced-apart relationthereto, an auxiliary spring-member connected to the primary spring at its ends by a sliding bracket-member connecting the ends of the sustaining spring and the auxiliary spring to the pr mary spring, and a.

controlling spring connected at its ends by a.

swivel bracket and fuleruming on the bolt connectionof the sliding bracketmember.

WILLIAM E. ANDREW.

Witnesses;

EDMUND PARRY, A. M. PARKINS. 

